This ROM is NOT based on any other custom ROM. My work contains many original ideas and innovations that I introduced as the first in the ROM development (see "Changelist" in post #2). Of course, it does not mean that I do not need to thank anyone - there are people who helped / inspired me anyhow (see "Credits").

I will risk the statement that at this moment my "DevBase" is the most tuned and nuanced custom ROM available at XDA Forum

I agree to use any part of my work to create other custom ROMs, but it would be great if you add me to the credits

EDIT: Note related to creating "$ZIPFILE" which contains a file larger than ~4GB (e.g. system.img): the order of adding content to "$ZIPFILE" is very important! META-INF need to be added as the first dir in the archive! Example (my DevBase case):

Code:

zip -r -9 G930FXXU2xxxx_DevBase.zip META-INF options.prop ALEXNDR

It seems that misunderstanding of the above problem is the main reason why many devs give up and do not use my base as a pattern.

Hello

I have decided to create a pure base with my unified installer (should work with many other Samsung devices), which can be a pattern for ROM Chefs (not only for beginners) ROM is initially safe de-bloated (read below what does it exactly mean), but all features are present and works!

ROM can be installed by normal users as well. If you like a little de-bloated ROMs, clean but with all working features - probably there is no better alternative

ROM contains my extended CSC package, which I called G930FAXX (this is a combination of OXX, OXA, OXE, OLB, OJV, OJK + some additional). Final list of available CSC is as follows:

NEW !!! I present you new, unique option: "Keep current CSC", so you can install my DevBase keeping your original CSC even if it is not listed above! Note that in such case this option has some limitations - more informations you can find in related older threads, e.g. HERE

- ONLY apps available in stores are removed / skipped in DevBase, so you can easy (re)install any of these app if you like
- ONLY pre-installed system apps are removed / skipped, DevBase installer will never touch any updated app nor app installed manually from a store
- By default virtual Safe De-Bloat is applied with exact same effect as physical (completely skips apps at boot). You can force to delete apps physically but it is recommended only if you really need more space in /system

Thus, the following conclusions can be drawn:

1. If you install my DevBase directly over stock ROM without performing "Wipe data" - in most cases almost all these apps will remain untouched, because almost all apps have been updated already (stored on /data). But then you will be able to remove any useless app using the "Application manager", like any other app. Removed manually app will not appear again until you use my DevBase while updating.

2. If you perform "Wipe data" while installing my DevBase - then all apps listed below will be removed. If you would like to use any of these apps - just install it manually from appropriate store. Installed manually app will not be removed during the next DevBase update.

Removed / skipped apps list:

Excel
Facebook
LinkedIn
OneDrive
PowerPoint
Word

(*) - these options can be controlled by editing options.prop file (you can find such file in ZIP's root directory). Just place modified options.prop file (use e.g. Notepad++ to edit) in the root directory of internal emulated scdard (/data/media/0) or extSdCard (recommended if you plan to format internal emulated sdcard) and then start the installation. More info below:

#
# DevBase by ALEXNDR (_alexndr @ XDA)
#
# Configuration file to allow customize the installation.
#
# File inside the ZIP installer is just for reference - please DO NOT modify it!
# If you want to change some options listed below - copy this file, then edit it using
# e.g. Notepad++ (do not use Windows Notepad!), then place your modified options.prop file
# in the root directory of internal emulated scdard (/data/media/0) or in the root directory
# of extSdCard (recommended if you plan to format internal emulated sdcard) and then start
# the installation.
#
# TIP: You do not need to repeat this step every next update I will release. As long as your
# customized options.prop file is present in the (ext)SdCard - future DevBase installers will
# "read in your mind" that you want to install with such options again.
#
# NOTE: All below variables and values are case sensitive!

Regardless of the above root options, starting from DevBase v4.4+, you can also use "encrypt" option (place "encrypt" string anywhere in the ZIP file name, e.g. "G930Fxxx_DevBase_v5.x_encrypt.zip"). All your data will be encrypted "on-the-fly" at next boot after ROM update/reinstall. Wipe data is NOT necessary to use this option. You will NOT lose your data & apps but it is extremely important - do not interrupt encryption process during this "special" boot! Booting can take much longer and you may think it is a bootloop, but it isn't! If you have a large amount of used data - it is recommended to connect your phone to the charger during boot (and open a beer to avoid heart attack while waiting). You do not need to use "encrypt" option again in case of another DevBase update(s) - please read carefully notes below.

In DevBase ROM v4.5+ there is a "rescue" option, which may be especially helpful in case of encrypted device if you experienced bootloop caused by e.g. systemless mod/module/xposed stored on /data (without access to /data from TWRP). In case of bootloop just place "rescue" string anywhere in the ZIP file name, e.g. "G930Fxxx_DevBase_v5.x_rescue.zip" and then (re)install the ROM - should help in case of (probably) all possible bootloop reasons. In addition to the normal (re)installation of the ROM (thus restoring the original /system, kernel, modem, etc.) this option will also force "Core Only Mode" in Magisk and will move all SYSTEMLESS DevBase modifications to /data/devbase/system/.backup, before performing bind mounts, so original files will be used.

In DevBase ROM v4.6+ there is a possibility to force CSC by renaming ZIP file name - this is the only case-sensitive variable which have to be put at the beginning of ZIP file name and must be folloed by "_" (due to the fact that there is a high risk that ZIP file name may contain CSC code accidentally). Example (to force CSC DBT): "DBT_G930Fxxx_DevBase_v5.x.zip"

In DevBase ROM v5.0+ there is a "skipblcp" option which allows you to skip BL/CP update (it also disables auto-reboot when the installer finished work as it is just not necessary then). Just place "skipblcp" string anywhere in the ZIP file name, e.g. "G930Fxxx_DevBase_v5.x_skipblcp.zip" and then install the ROM.

In DevBase ROM v5.0+ there is also a "phydebloat" option which allows you to remove apps physically instead of virtually while de-bloating. Virtual de-bloat is a reversible method - you can easy restore any app by editing enforceskippingpackages.txt file. It has exact same effect as removing apps physically (it completely skips apps at boot), so forcing to delete apps physically is recommended only if you really need more space in /system.

Notes related to encrypted devices:

How to confirm that your data are encrypted:

1. Go to TWRP and check if it is possible to mount /data. If NOT - all is ok "Failed to mount '/data' (invalid argument)" will be the a frequent message that you need to like in the future

How to update DevBase ROM to a newer version:

1. Copy a newer DevBase ROM to extSdCard or OTG storage (you do NOT need to use "encrypt" option in ZIP file name again, if your device is encrypted already - it just remain encypted)
2. Go to TWRP -> "Install" and flash ZIP file from extSdCard or OTG
3. That's all

The risk of data loss in case of encrypted devices, depending on the ROM scenario:

(*) There is still a risk to get into a bootloop if you install stuffs like: Xposed framework, incompatible Magisk or Xposed module, incompatible systemless MOD in /data/devbase/system, etc. In case of bootloop just try to use "rescue" option described above

Wipe data is NOT required if you are coming from stock ROM (already rooted) or a previous version of my DevBase (if you leave "Keep current CSC" option untouched in /options.prop or if you choose same CSC as you are currently using). In other cases - wipe data is highly recommended!

I do not recommend using any additional superwipes or formats before install my DevBase (my installer cleans your system well enough!).

Credits:@Chainfire for systemless SuperSU and a lot of inspiration@topjohnwu for Magisk and another inspiration

Hit Thanks button if you like my work. If you really appreciate my work - feel free to buy me a beer

- Created new "no_verity" function in the installer, compatible with Samsung's Oreo, based on @Chainfire's patch tool (no-verity-opt-encrypt has been removed). In case of Oreo & Magisk as root solution - "no_verity" function will be used as additional support for patching fstab* (as long as Magisk does not do it correctly)

v5.0 (not released for G93xx):

- SYSTEMLESS DevBase has been removed due to the fact, that in case of modern devices/firmwares we need to perform many changes physically in /system anyway, so it loses the sense of use here. If you liked it - you can still install it separately from HERE (it does not need to be re-installed after ROM update as it is installed in /data)
- Added "skipblcp" option to let users skip BL/CP update (additionally it disables auto-reboot when the installer finished work as it is just not necessary then)
- Added "phydebloat" option to let users choose beetween virtual and physical debloat (to get more space in /system)
- Other (minor) optimizations & improvements

v4.6 (starting from G930FXXU2DRAG DevBase):

- Initial support for devices with /system/omc as CSC location
- SYSTEMLESS DevBase updated to v2.0 (see changelog HERE)
- Added possibility to force CSC by renamig ZIP filename. Due to the fact that trere are many different CSC and it is possible that $ZIPNAME may contain a CSC accidentally - to force CSC you need to put CSC in $ZIPNAME at the beginning and CSC must be followed by "_". Example $ZIPNAME (to force CSC DBT): "DBT_G93xFXXU1xxxx_DevBase.zip"
- Added auto efs-backup during install. Installer will create first backup (efs_backup.img.gz) and recent backup (efs_recent.img.gz). The installer will prefer external storage as default backup location (/external_sd or /usb-otg) due to encryption support. MD5 sum and restore command will be stored in efs_backup.txt or efs_recent.txt file
- Other (minor) optimizations & improvements, e.g. added more error messages in case of something went wrong during install

v4.5 (starting from G930FXXU1DQLF DevBase):

- Added new "rescue" option (readable only as string in ZIP file name due to the fact, that we will need this option rarely). It can be a potentially very helpful option in case of bootloop @ encrypted device, caused by a systemless mod/module/xposed stored on /data (without access to /data from TWRP) - more info in post #1
- SYSTEMLESS DevBase updated to v1.14 (see changelog HERE)

v4.4 (starting from G930FXXU1DQLA DevBase):

- Added new "encrypt" option (readable only as string in ZIP file name due to the fact, that we need to do it only once). Now you can easy encrypt all data in your device, just during the ROM upgrade (without data loss).
- SYSTEMLESS DevBase updated to v1.13 (see changelog HERE)

v4.3 (starting from G930FXXS1DQF6 DevBase):

- "root.supersu" & "root.magisk" variables in the options.prop file have been replaced by one "root" variable (dropped possibility to install both - SuperSU & Magisk - due to the fact that Magisk v13+ does not support SuperSU as root solution)
- SYSTEMLESS DevBase updated to v1.9 v1.12 (see changelog HERE)

v4.2 (starting from G930FXXU1DQD7 DevBase):

- Added possibility to add systemlessly NEW apps to /data/devbase/system/(priv-)app (up to 5 apps in "app" & 5 apps in "priv-app"). The only condition is that you need to rename its directories to CustomApp[1...5] (e.g. CustomApp1, CustomApp2, etc..). These apps will remain even if you flash a new DevBase as corresponding dummy directories will exist in future DevBase updates
- In case of DevBase update or re-installation - installer will not remove your custom entries in /data/devbase/system/build.prop and in *.xml files placed in /data/devbase/system/csc
- SYSTEMLESS DevBase updated to v1.6 v1.8 (see changelog HERE)

v4.1 (starting from G930FXXU1DQD2 DevBase):

- Added full Magisk support - MagiskSU is now default root solution (ROM should pass SafetyNet with Magisk Hide enabled in settings)
- Since systemless Xposed does not need to be re-installed every new DevBase I will release (in case of using the same root solution) - it makes no sense to keep it anymore as installation option
- SYSTEMLESS DevBase updated to v1.5 (see changelog HERE)

v4.0 (not released for G93xx):

- A huge step in the systemless direction! DevBase installer now installs pure odexed stock ROM (just slightly debloated), then systemless SuperSU, then systemless DevBase, then (optionally) systemless Xposed
- All Knox related applications are available again (except SecurityLogAgent, to prevent annoying security alerts)
- Fake KNOX 0x0 status (check it in PhoneINFO app) - most of Knox related apps should work again, like in case of untouched KNOX flag
- All mods known from previous DevBase versions (up to v3.x) now are applied systemlessly - all modified files (including modded apps) are placed in /data/devbase/system instead of physical /system partition. Mods section (#4) has been updated to install mods to /data/devbase/system/(priv-)app if systemless DevBase has been detected (otherwise will be installed as usual, to /system)
- Deodex on-the-fly feature has been removed. If you really need deodexed ROM - you can install someone else's deodexed ROM, then systemless DevBase as an overlay
- Init.d support has been removed as it is deprecated (use su.d instead)

- Improved root_from function (Android 5.1+) - added "setprop selinux.reload_policy 1" removal from init.rc (thanks to @Chainfire)
- Fixed bug in new alghoritm for checking whether stock recovery should be installed or not (introduced in v3.4)
- Added new functionality - installer will store a copy of patched stock kernel in /data for those who flashed custom kernel but for some reasons want to revert to the stock kernel (Android 5.1+)

v3.4 (not released for G93xx):

- Completely changed alghoritm for checking whether stock recovery should be installed or not (it applies to FlashFire users). Now it depends on previously used recovery (instead of checking KNOX flag which was not 100% reliable across devices/recoveries)

- Improved method of reading options from ZIP file name (previous was directory/path sensitive also)
- Added support to mod_csc function for other than UNIX text format (it's a little ridiculous, but in case of some CSCs - original /system/csc/other.xml file has Windows or MAC text format!)
- Initial support for options.prop file in CRLF text format (DOS/Windows)

v3.21 (not released for G93xx):

- Fixed installer's issue if there is a [space] present in ZIP filename or a directory containing DevBase (see #1728)

- Significantly improved "add_initd" function in the update-binary shell script. Added support for (probably) all available Samsung's platforms (e.g. Exynos) and all available firmwares (based on Android 4.4+)
- In case of installation with Xposed framework installer checks if Xposed Installer app is present in /data/app and installs it automatically if necessary
- Minor intaller's optimizations/improvements

v3.0 (not released for G93xx):

- Entire installer has been re-written from the scratch! All "magic" moved to update-binary which is a shell script. It opens up new possibilities never possible before!
- Introduced new customization method - you can change most frequently switched options just by renaming installer's ZIP file name. Currently supported "strings" in the file name:
"noroot" (means "do not root"), "deodex", "xposed", "initd" (no other comments are required, I hope..)
- Starting from v3.0 init.d support is disabled by default

v2.3 (not released for G93xx):

- Added option to install suitable Xposed framework in one step while installing DevBase (for maximum comfort). There is a new xframework.sh script - device independent structure and full Android 5.1+/6.0+ support. Backup method is compatible with well known Xposed uninstallers (tested with @wanam's)

v2.2 (not released for G93xx):

- Significantly improved root_supersu.sh script - device independent structure and full Android 5.1+/6.0+ suport including on the fly kernel/ramdisk/sepolicy patching if necessary. SU binaries are still copied to /system as it is the best choice in case of custom ROMs
- Changed order of performed operations in the updater-script due to new root_supersu.sh script advantages
- Installer wipes partitions designated for RAW content (e.g. kernel / recovery image) before writing to them
- Minor additions in dex_injector.sh script related to Android 6.0+

v2.11 (not released for G93xx):

- Fixed some minor installer's issues ("set_perm" function in set_csc.sh did not work correctly while using wildcards in the path (it was exclusively FlashFire issue! no problem with TWRP / CWM). Fortunately - only /system/etc/csc_*.txt were really "affected" - it didn't cause real issues as these files are empty)

v2.1 (not released for G93xx):

- As some people felt a bit disapointed / worried about DevBase v2.0 ROM file size - finally I have decided to debloat stock system.img (in same way as in v1.x => "Safe De-Bloat") and remove option to install all available bloatware. ROM file size has been reduced from about ~2GB to about ~1.6GB. Note for Devs / Chefs: Do not use Windows tools - you need Linux with "selinux" package installed (to handle SELinux contexts) to mount (rw) system.img safely. If you want to add / change any system content this way - remember about proper chown/chmod/chcon
- Added device check during install as flashing directly to EMMC block is potentially more risky for "other" devices. Installer will abort installation if device is not N910F (trlte(xx)). If you want to try this ROM on other N4 devices - you need to remove this check manually from updater-script (it is more conscious procedure)

v2.0 (not released for G93xx):

- Completely new concept of ROM development that makes it easy to build most tuned and nuanced custom ROMs. No more arduous manual analysis or (often) invalid permissions / SELinux contexts taken from a kitchen. The main idea is to flash original, stock /system image as EMMC block (in same way as PC Odin does) instead of extracting ZIP's contents to mounted partition, then setting permissions, then creating symlinks, etc. However, it requires more knowledge related to sh scripts as ALL necessary changes need to be done on the fly, while installing (e.g. by injecting modified classes.dex and/or modified images/xmls to /res/../* into an apk). There are no limits, all depends on your creativity!
- One common ZIP installer for Odexed and Deodexed ROM - you can control it by new "deodexed.rom" entry in options.prop (there is new dex_injector.sh script which can deodex on the fly the whole ROM using previously processed classes.dex files)
- ROM is still Safe De-Bloated by default but removing bloatware during install is not mandatory - you can control it by new "safe.debloat" entry in options.prop (there is new protection included to avoid overfilling /system in case of large size of additional MODs and/or large multi CSC package)
- Major improvements in csc_detect.sh script - it is able to detect previous CSC even in cases of flashing over e.g. CM based ROM and/or previously formatted system partition. However, if detected CSC is NOT included in my multi CSC package, in both mentioned cases it is still not possible to keep detected CSC (as there is no CSC related content to backup / restore)
- Improvements in all sh scripts - additional "metadata" entries in updater-script (related to processed contents) are not required
- Improvements in root_supersu.sh script - it is suitable for 32 and 64 bit OS
- Added full zip support from the command line

v1.x (initial version, further improvements, not released for G93xx):

- Built without using a kitchen. All set_metadata* / symlink entries are result of arduous manual analysis. For more info about the method - see hidden content for Devs / Chefs in THIS thread.
- New customization method without using Aroma (options.prop)
- Many useful scripts for easy installation: CSC applying/autodetection, backup/restore of security files, backup/restore of existing CSC package, XML modding on the fly, root, init.d support
- Many small changes and improvements "in the meantime" which I simply do not remember...
- Safe De-Bloated (see post #1 for details)

I put some of my favorite MOD's. These modifications I have done personally using (bak)smali tools - these are NOT "borrowed" from other custom rom, nor from someone else's thread (thanks to @majdinj & @tdunham for their excellent modding guides). All files are FlashFire / TWRP flashable ZIPs.

These MODs are compatible with SYSTEMLESS DevBase - installer will try to detect if your /system has been moddified (or not) already. If the installer will not detect any popular /system modifications like SuperSU / busybox / Xposed (installed to /system) then will try to install app systemlessly to /data/devbase/system/(priv-)app

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